[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Former Cherry Bullet Member HAEYOON Reflects on Her Solo Journey and the Meaning Behind Latest Single

1 month ago 20

In this exclusive interview, HAEYOON opens up about her transformative path as a solo artist, revealing the personal experiences and emotions that led to her new single, “You Were.”

HAEYOON is a talented singer, lyricist, and musical actress, best known as the former leader of the girl group Cherry Bullet. Since debuting on January 21, 2019, with the single album Let’s Play Cherry Bullet, she has made a significant mark in the K-pop industry. Known for her dynamic stage presence and captivating vocals, HAEYOON quickly won the hearts of fans worldwide. Her journey in music has been shaped by her participation in several survival shows, including Produce 48 in 2018, V-1 in 2019, and GIRL’S RE:VERSE in 2023. Following the disbandment of Cherry Bullet in April 2024, HAEYOON recently stepped into the limelight as a soloist, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.

As she embarks on this new chapter, HAEYOON warmly invites her audience to experience her music, starting with her first digital single, “I Miss You Now,” released on July 28, and her latest track, “You Were,” which dropped on September 24. This fresh endeavor reflects her personal growth and artistic evolution. In this exclusive interview, HAEYOON opens up about her latest release, her creative process, and the inspiration behind her music. Join us as we delve into HAEYOON’s inspiring journey and discover the passion that fuels her artistry.

Hellokpop: Hi HAEYOON, it’s nice to meet you! To start, please introduce yourself to our readers.

HAEYOON: Hello, this is Haeyoon, who is back with a solo song, “You Were!”

HKP: Can you tell us a little about your journey in music before your solo debut? What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer and lyricist?

HAEYOON: Before my solo debut, I was in a girl group called Cherry Bullet. At that time, I think I made music that was faithful to team activities. However, since I was a trainee, I was interested in composing and writing lyrics, so I wrote a few songs without letting anyone know. I thought, “What kind of song would suit me?” I think I became interested in it while naturally thinking about what kind of music I want to do and what kind of story I want to tell.

HKP: How do you think your previous experience in survival competition shows and as a member of a girl group has shaped you as a solo artist?

HAEYOON: The survival experience and the girl group experience were a great learning experience for me. Of course, it helped me as an artist, but it was also an experience that helped me grow a lot as a person, Park Hae Yoon. I think personal growth and career growth are the same. Since I am the one doing the work, I think the more I grow, the more it will help me at work.

HKP: Congratulations on the release of your new digital single “You Were!” How are you feeling about this new chapter in your solo career?

HAEYOON: The single came out faster than I thought. I was originally thinking of slowly preparing and releasing it sometime next year, but luckily I got the chance to release a single like this!

I tend to finish things quickly without putting them off, so I think the music came out quickly, just like my personality. I plan to show you my slow growth in the future.

HKP: What emotions or themes does “You Were” explore, and how do they relate to your personal experiences?

HAEYOON: “You Were” is past tense. It’s called an end, a separation. In life, we inevitably experience separation in some way. We feel regret, we feel sad, we hate, but in the end, we have to accept that it’s an end. It’s sad, but I can’t help it. It’s natural. I’m saying that I believe those experiences have made me more mature. It’s my experience. It’s everyone’s experience!

HKP: Can you describe the songwriting process for “You Were” and what inspired the lyrics?

HAEYOON: When I first got the track, I tried to write a bright love story. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t write it. My feelings were complicated at the time. Instead of trying to write a different story, I decided to just write as I felt, and that’s how I wrote “You Were.” I felt refreshed after I put it out. Once I got started, it just kept going smoothly.

HKP: In what ways does “You Were” differ from your previous single, “I Miss You?”

HAEYOON: The previous single, “I Miss You,” was a ballad, and “You Were” is a R&B song, so it’s slightly different. My fans also say that they didn’t know I could do R&B. I think it’s a new challenge for me, but I like it more than I thought.

Also, the previous single was a song written by a composer, but this single is different in that I wrote the lyrics and composed the song.

I also really enjoy reinterpreting and singing songs that have already been written, so I had fun recording “I Miss You,” but “You Were” was a song that I wrote, so it was easier to sing and I was able to record it more comfortably!

HKP: What do you hope listeners will feel or think when they hear “You Were” for the first time?

HAEYOON: I think music gives me some kind of inspiration. If I find a melody or line of lyrics I like, I can listen to it all day. I hope that when listeners listen to my songs, they feel comforted in some way, empathize with others, recall their own experiences, reminisce about them, think about them, and feel natural emotions.

HKP: Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments from the making of “You Were” that were particularly memorable for you?

HAEYOON: There’s no big behind story, but I actually caught a cold and was sick while recording. But I couldn’t postpone it due to my schedule. So I recorded while I was sick, but I’m so glad that the results came out well without it being noticeable. The bottom line is to take good care of your body!

HKP: Looking back at your career so far, what have been the most rewarding moments for you?

HAEYOON: It’s hard to say just one moment. All the moments when I was able to make people happy and give them joy and comfort while I was singing and performing on stage were rewarding.

HKP: What are your future goals or aspirations as you continue to develop your music career?

HAEYOON: Since I’m doing it alone, there are many difficulties and there are many things I don’t know well, so I want to slowly and gradually secure them. It won’t be easy in the future, but I want to continue to develop and make music for a long time.

HKP: What can fans expect from you in the future? Any upcoming projects or you can tease?

HAEYOON: It’s hard to say for sure yet, but I still want to create a space where we can communicate from time to time. Musically, I want to come back with songs that show my colors little by little!

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message to your fans reading this.

HAEYOON: Thank you so much for your unchanging love and support. I will continue to work hard to show you good music and a good image in the future. Have a happy fall while listening to the new song “You Were.”